CRCJ 3000 - Applied Statistics

Introductions

I’m Nick!

A PhD Candidate in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UNO.

Research Interests: Biopsychosocial criminology and quantitative methods

Teaching Interests: Research methods and statistics

Where I’m from: Detroit, Michigan

Fun fact: I’m a Detroit Lion’s fan

Your turn!

Your name?

Where you’re from?

Year and Career Interests?

Fun fact?

Why care about statistics?


Statistics can be a vehicle that leverages complex machinery to help you reach new destinations (conclusions) not otherwise accessible.

Why care about statistics?

Statistics is skill-based!


And like any skill (e.g., playing piano, learning a new language, dribbling a ball), it requires practice, practice, and even more practice.

Syllabus

Class Structure

  • Slides will be available on Canvas (Files/Lecture Slides) after we cover each chapter.
    • Everything you need to know is not in the slides
  • Each lecture will be conducted with open discussion and participation is expected.

How will you be Graded?

  • Exams (multiple-choice and problem sets)

  • Homework (submit your hand written calculations)

  • Participation

My Expectations

  • Read

  • Show up to class

    • This material is cumulative (i.e., it snowballs) and missing lectures will impede your understanding of the material
    • If missing class is unavoidable, let me know.
  • Participate

Academic Honesty

I encourage you all to work together on assignments, however submitted assignments should be done individually and should be written in your own words.


Exams will be completed in-person, so I will know if you cheat (e.g., ChatGPT) on your homework.


ChatGPT (or any LLM) is a tool that I encourage you to use if you get stuck on something or need clarification but copy and pasting from it is plagiarism and I will treat it as such.

Participation & Climate

  • Inclusive environment
    • This class can & should be a place for active discussions. This is where learning ‘comes to life.’
  • Consider the discussion ‘space’ you take up
    • Allow others to speak.
      • If you find yourself taking up most of the discussion, take a break & give room for others to participate.
    • This space is for all of us.

Office Hours

  • A couple options:

    • Talk to me after class

    • We can set up a time on Zoom

Technology in the Classroom

  • Learning requires intense attention.
    • Focusing without distraction, allows your specific brain circuits to strengthen which ‘cements’ the skill.

    • If you are distracted or ‘task switching,’ you will have too many circuits firing to promote optimal learning.

Questions?

Have a great day!